The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to follow WHO guidelines on the disposal of deceased persons.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Writing to the President, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion said: We would like to encourage your Excellency’s Government to reconsider the provisions in the MoH Guideline by taking into account of the key considerations provided by WHO Guideline for the disposal of the bodies of human beings deceased from the COVID-19, and revise the circular accordingly. In view of the challenges posed by the pandemic it is important that the Government avoids any unnecessary measures that are likely to raise tension and are running contrary to the respect of the fundamental human rights of the persons belonging to different communities that exist in Sri Lanka. Arbitrary decisions concerning the disposal of bodies of victims of the COVID-19 may also have the opposite effect to provoking the reluctance of families and communities to report COVID-19 cases in fear that they may be unable ensure proper funeral or burial rites for their loved ones. Ideally, such provisions should be revised in consultation with all the concerned ethnic and religious communities and other relevant health experts and stakeholders.
“We respectfully reiterate the importance that the Government continues to uphold the right of freedom of religion or belief as well as the right of the minorities even during this challenging time. The protection of the privacy and identity of the patients or deceased without identifying their ethnicity or religious background in public would prevent their stigmatisation as individuals or member of a specific community.
“We are taking the opportunity to stress that it is equally important that your Excellency’s Government firmly condemn any attempt by anyone, irrespective of status, to issue or spread hate messages that are of a nature to instigate ethnic or religious tensions or violence, including through accusations or blame that any particular ethnic or religious community is responsible for the pandemic of COVID-19.”
Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief also ask the President to;
* Clarify the rationale for the decision to limit the method of the disposal of the dead bodies to cremation. Has any consultation been held with relevant health experts, civil society and community members in order to ensure that the decision to prohibit the burial of COVID-19 victims is non-discriminatory, necessary and proportionate to the objective pursued?
* The information if relevant personnel dealing with the disposal of bodies of victims of the COVID-19 have been trained or informed to ensure that the close family member of the deceased get to see the body before it is sealed and that they are informed of the cremation of the body well in advance.
* The measures undertaken to ensure that ethnic and religious minorities, are not discriminated against in the implementation of this MoH Guideline and that their right to freedom of religion or belief with regard to burial rites and practices is upheld and respected.
* The information on the steps taken to tackle potential rise in hate speech against Muslims and other ethnic or religious minorities in Sri Lanka, including by protecting the identity of the COVID-19 patients or deceased?
We publish below the letter in full:
PALAIS DES NATIONS • 1211 GENEVA 10, SWITZERLAND
Mandates of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; the Special Rapporteur on minority issues; and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
REFERENCE: AL LKA 2/20208
April 2020
Excellency,
We have the honour to address you in our capacities as Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; Special Rapporteur on minority issues; and Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolutions 40/10, 42/16, 34/6 and 40/16.
In this connection, we would like to bring to the attention of your Excellency’s Government information we have received concerning the circular by the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka providing standard guidance on the autopsy practice and the disposal of COVID-19 related dead body.
According to the information received:
In March 2020, the Ministry of Health published Provisional Clinical Practice Guidelines on COVID-19 suspected and confirmed patients (MoH Guideline). This circular includes a chapter on the autopsy practice and the disposal of dead bodies.
Up till the third version of the MoH Guideline published on 27 March 2020, it was provided that a body related to death either confirmed (Category I) or suspected (Category II & III) of COVID-19, should be disposed within 24 hours (preferably within 12 hours) according to the guidance listed below:
• The body should never be washed under any circumstance.
• Cremation or burial is allowed. However, burial is allowed provided that all steps to prevent contact with body [are] ensured.
• The body has to be placed in an airtight sealed body bag and a sealed coffin.
• The grave should have a depth of 6 feet (deep burial). It should not contaminate with ground water.
• The grave should be identifiable and traceable.
• The disposal of bodies must be monitored by police, Ministry of Health and Public Health Inspector.
• The police and other government agencies must follow the legal aspect and their procedures.
However, on 31 March 2020, the Ministry of Health amended the Guideline and the fourth version with the amendments provided that a body related to death either confirmed (Category I) or suspected (Category II & III) of COVID-19, should be cremated within 24 hours (preferably within 12 hours) according to the guidance listed below:
• The body should never be washed under any circumstance.
• The body has to be placed in a sealed body bag and a coffin.
• Exclusive cremation.
• The disposal of bodies must be monitored by police, Ministry of Health and Public Health Inspector.
We understand that this fourth amendment of the MoH Guideline came following the cremation of a COVID-19 victim of a Muslim community on 31 March 2020 in Negombo, without consultation with and against the wishes of his family. We are concerned that the amendment is inconsistent with the Infection Prevention and Control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19 guideline provided by World Health Organisation (WHO Guideline). Furthermore, we are concerned of the lack of consideration provided and the lack of sensitivity in the MoH Guideline to different communities and their religious and cultural practices.
We recognize that the pandemic of COVID-19 has posed serious public health challenges and that there is a need to take various factors into consideration in making sure the spread of COVID-19 is contained. While the reasons for the decision of the Ministry of Health to make such amendment have not been communicated, and do not seem to have been decided with any consultation with the relevant communities, we would like to stress that the legitimacy for such amendments should be based on the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination. Indeed, when cultural or religious sensitivities are involved, an inclusive and participatory dialogue or consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the civil society and different ethnic or religious communities must be conducted before a decision is taken. Such a participatory approach and clear communication to all stakeholders of the steps taken and the reasons for taking such steps, are also more likely to increase public confidence in such measures and minimise public disquiet over such restrictions.
In this regard we would like to bring specific attention to the following:
1. Method of the disposal of dead body- Under the section on Burial, WHO Guideline provides that people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated. Under the section on Burial by family members or for deaths at home, it further indicated that in contexts where mortuary services are not standard or reliably available, or where it is usual for ill people to die at home, families and traditional burial attendants can be equipped and educated to bury people under supervision. Besides, the WHO Guideline clearly outlined that one of the key considerations is to avoid hasty disposal of a dead from COVID-19.
2. Handling of the dead body- MoH Guideline instructed that the dead body should never be washed under any circumstance and that the body has to be placed in a sealed body bag and in coffin. WHO Guideline does not preclude that a person such as family member or religious leader can prepare the deceased that involved washing, cleaning or dressing body, tidying hair, trimming nails or shaving. It only instructed the necessary safety and health precautions to be taken when any person decided to do so according to their customs or religious rites. It also allows for cloth wrapping.
3. Viewing of body- WHO Guideline also provided that the family wishes only to view the body may do so, as long as the family is given clear instructions not to touch or kiss the body and to use standard precautions at all times. It was furthermore indicated that family and friends may view the body after it has been prepared for burial, in accordance with customs.
By contrast, the MoH Guideline allows the viewing of the body only by close relative/s in a pre-designated area in hospital and it forbids viewing after the body is sealed. Even with this provision in place, some family members of deceased allegedly did not get to see the body before the cremation took place. This has reportedly created a lot of stress to the deceased’s family.
4. Sensitivity to local, customary and religious practices – WHO Guideline has highlighted that the dignity of the dead, their cultural and religious traditions, and their families should be respected and protected throughout. It was advised the need to apply principles of cultural sensitivity or to handle the burial or dead body in accordance with customs while ensuring standard precautions are followed at all time.
We recommend that attention be given in the MoH Guideline to existing cultural and religious sensitivity or traditions in the country. Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects everyone’s right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Human Rights Committee in its General Comment 22 paragraph 4 advises that the freedom to manifest religion or belief may be exercised “either individually or in community with others and in public or private”. It elaborates that the freedom to manifest religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching encompasses a broad range of acts and the concept of worship extends to ritual and ceremonial acts giving direct expression to belief, as well as various practices integral to such acts, including ritual formulae or ceremonial acts.
While the manifestation of religion or belief may be restricted as per Article 18(3) of the ICCPR, to protect public safety, order, health, morals and the fundamental rights and freedoms of others any such limitation must fulfil a number of obligatory criteria including being non-disriminatory in intent or effect and constituting the least restrictive measure. Even in the face of overwhelming public necessity that falls on one or more of the five grounds for permissble limitations noted in Article 18(3), if there is a less restrictive measure, a greater interfernce with the right to manifest one’s beliefs will not be permissible. Given that the WHO Guideline does not discard burial, albeit under specific conditions for the preparation of the body, as one of two means for the disposal of the body, prohibiting burial would not be permissible according to the ICCPR.
Article 27 of ICCPR provides that “In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language.” The 1992 Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities also emphasised that persons belonging to minorities have the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, and to use their own language, in private and in public, freely, without any interference or any form of discrimination (article 2.1), and persons belonging to minorities have the right to participate effectively in cultural, religious, social, economic and public life (article 2.2). Moreover, States are required to ensure that persons belonging to minorities may exercise their human rights without discrimination and in full equality before the law (article 4.1) and create favourable conditions to enable persons belonging to minorities to express their characteristics and to develop their culture, language, religion, traditions and customs (article 4.2).
In conclusion, we would like to encourage your Excellency’s Government to reconsider the provisions in the MoH Guideline by taking into account of the key considerations provided by WHO Guideline for the disposal of the bodies of human beings deceased from the COVID-19, and revise the circular accordingly. In view of the challenges posed by the pandemic it is important that the Government avoids any unnecessary measures that are likely to raise tension and are running contrary to the respect of the fundamental human rights of the persons belonging to different communities that exist in Sri Lanka. Arbitrary decisions concerning the disposal of bodies of victims of the COVID-19 may also have the opposite effect to provoking the reluctance of families and communities to report COVID-19 cases in fear that they may be unable ensure proper funeral or burial rites for their loved ones. Ideally, such provisions should be revised in consultation with all the concerned ethnic and religious communities and other relevant health experts and stakeholders.
We respectfully reiterate the importance that the Government continues to uphold the right of freedom of religion or belief as well as the right of the minorities even during this challenging time. The protection of the privacy and identity of the patients or deceased without identifying their ethnicity or religious background in public would prevent their stigmatisation as individuals or member of a specific community.
We are taking the opportunity to stress that it is equally important that your Excellency’s Government firmly condemn any attempt by anyone, irrespective of status, to issue or spread hate messages that are of a nature to instigate ethnic or religious tensions or violence, including through accusations or blame that any particular ethnic or religious community is responsible for the pandemic of COVID-19.
The full texts of the human rights instruments and standards recalled above are available on www.ohchr.org or can be provided upon request.
As it is our responsibility, under the mandates provided to us by the Human Rights Council, to seek to clarify all cases brought to our attention, we would be grateful for your observations on the following matters:
1. Please provide any additional information and any comment you may have on the above-mentioned allegations and concerns.
2. Please provide the rationale for the decision to limit the method of the disposal of the dead bodies to cremation. Has any consultation been held with relevant health experts, civil society and community members in order to ensure that the decision to prohibit the burial of COVID-19 victims is non-discriminatory, necessary and proportionate to the objective pursued?
3. Please provide information if relevant personnel dealing with the disposal of bodies of victims of the COVID-19 have been trained or informed to ensure that the close family member of the deceased get to see the body before it is sealed and that they are informed of the cremation of the body well in advance.
4. Please indicate the measures undertaken to ensure that ethnic and religious minorities, are not discriminated against in the implementation of this MoH Guideline and that their right to freedom of religion or belief with regard to burial rites and practices is upheld and respected.
5. Please provide information on the steps taken to tackle potential rise in hate speech against Muslims and other ethnic or religious minorities in Sri Lanka, including by protecting the identity of the COVID-19 patients or deceased?
This communication, as a comment on pending or recently adopted legislation, regulations or policies, and any response received from your Excellency’s Government will be made public via the communications reporting website within 48 hours. They will also subsequently be made available in the usual report to be presented to the Human Rights Council.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Ahmed Shaheed
Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
Jayantha de Alwis / April 14, 2020
The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to cremate its Corona-19 infected dead bodies, regardless of their ethnicity. (period). If someone wants differently he can leave the shores of Sri Lanka, taking the dead bodies with them. UN agencies or WHO has no right to give their opinion about it. Please remember that the root cause of this pandemic is WHO’s inaction at the beginning and collusion with the Chinese government.
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Shazan / April 14, 2020
Inconsiderate racist. That’s what you. This country belongs to all people of all races. If u think ur race came first and u can tample on the rights of others. You, u must be Adolf Hitler’s illegitimate son.
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babalath appu / April 14, 2020
Shazan,
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I respect your attitude. You guys should fight further. COVID-19 would not select who to be died next – we are all the same.
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I as a sinhalaya would always stand against Rajapakshe criminals. So, i never thought the other way around would be after bps would have been elected – now the result is before our eyes. They make divisions where they think they could- THAT WAY only they can achor into power – if more would be knowledgble, the educated would never want BPs be their leaders.
This is so simple, if our 60 lacks of voters that stood against would be able to convince more.
More of your minorities shold stand against – any kind of human rights violations of this country – just be silent, as your community has been for such a long time, you should not
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It is the last you can seek – that is RESPECT your burial rights.If that would NOT be a problem to US, Italy, Uk, Germany or others – why to be problem to a hungry nations being caught by two WAR criminals as their leaders ?
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S. C. Pasqual / April 15, 2020
Mr. Shazan,
Mr. babalata Thoththu,
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You both can push that attitude in your a..s.
Go and cry to your almighty to stop infecting Muslims with COVID-19.
I am 100% sure he will not listen to you.
Then why should we listen to you.
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Real Revolutionist / April 14, 2020
Shazan
Yes, this country belongs to all the living citizens, not for the dead & gone.
There’s no intention of cremating people who are alive.
Though the WHO &/or the UN say that there’s no danger in burying corona infected dead bodies, it’s unbelievable.
WHO & the UN may say tomorrow that the best thing to do is cremation.
So agree to cremation rather than passing racial comments towards majority community.
Whether cremated or buried they’re dead bodies. it has nothing to do with their next life.
The problem here is that Muslims are superstitious & the irony is that the UN & WHO are also sticked in such myths.
It’s Muslims behave like Hitler.
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S. C. Pasqual / April 15, 2020
Mr. Real Revolutionist,
Mr. Shazan,
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“”There’s no intention of cremating people who are alive.””
I like that.
This is uncharted territory. Every country is on their own.
First WHO said this is a “global public health emergency” on January 30th.
Then “Using the word pandemic now does not fit the facts, but it may certainly cause fear” at the end of February.
Then “The coronavirus sweeping across the world is a pandemic” on March 11.
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S. C. Pasqual / April 15, 2020
And…….
First WHO said virus is not airborne.
Now US CDC says it is airborne up to 4 meters.
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FAMOUS44993 / April 14, 2020
The “Awa-Jaathaka” or the illegitimate child of those in authority in the Govt. or what is it that it is expecting when the Fundamental Rights of the Minorities is every now and then blatantly violated to suit the whims and fancies of majority in the current setup of the present governmant is very regretted. You Gota, now come on “pull-up” your socks before anything serious can happen in the country.
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Jain / April 14, 2020
As you invaders of Sri Lanka belonging to indigenous people like Nagas , you should also leave the shores of Sri Lanka and other countries where you live as citizens. What about your excellecie’s wife and son in the USA?
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Rtd. Lt. Reginald Shamal Perera / April 14, 2020
Oopss……looks like a Muslim Maniac has gone mad. LOL!
This country DOESN’T belong to people of all races. It belongs to Sinhalese first and then to everyone else. Big difference and learn that difference if you want to live peacefully in SL.
If he’s Adolf Hitler’s illegitimate son, then Sri Lanka couldn’t have asked for a better leader.
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SJ / April 14, 2020
What WHO collusion with China?
If Trump is doing the thinking for you, too sad.
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Abdul Kader / April 14, 2020
“UN agencies or WHO has no right to give their opinion about it”
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Jayantha de Alwis, but.. are you okay with IMF?
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Milton Silva / April 14, 2020
Racists Sinhalese ready to accept anything free of cost. Whatever receive from UN and WHO free acceptable. But, their advice for peace and stability in between the communities cannot accept by this stupid so called majority. Sucking and licking foreign aid and funds bit not ready to listen.
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ROHAN JOHNPILLAI / April 14, 2020
Milton Silva,
You have hit the balls where it hurts the most.?
=
they sell their young especially the males to the old white uncles, their grown-up women to the oil oozing sultans in the middle east and gift their young sons to the saffron-clad so-called Buddhist thug monks as their sexual boy mistresses.
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to me, the Lankan Buddhist is a coronavirus
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cheers. R. J.
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Pascal'sbrother / April 14, 2020
Jayantha De Alwis@
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Govt would make their decision on the dead as they would bring the flesh of the dead to super markets for your consumption, would you still agree with that ?
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The very same brutal duo, once upon a time, after war is no longer their, let innocient being killed by their criminal gangs, sometimes those were wearing RED ROBEs, and some wore A BUNCH of pirith noole around wrists and anywhere they wanted, but your kind of slaves never took it serious remember ?
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Those Rathupaswala innocient boys
Those unarmed 24 prisoners that were gunned down
Those over 49 journalists across the country were abducted and gunned down
Those 11 youth abducted and killed, or let missing, with their mothers still on a mourning mode in colombo areas
.
Those editors and others went missing, some were driven away from the coutnry since barbarian GOTLER threatned them
:
Those untold stories of various walks of people, but irrespective of all, but relying two channels, that are biased to them, brought the barbarans back to power.
:
Now see, how they perform !!!!!!!! Good riddance
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Ms Maralathoni / April 14, 2020
Sinhala extremists, and racists, would be welcome, if the dead would be turned out to be DRIED MEAT – under the guidance of brother duo.
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Coming colour is no good – good riddance to 69 mio of stupid voters
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Let Rajakshes and their gangs broad day light murders, rapes, abductions in the name of CORONA control measurments.
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Hang men have become leaders, now you guys have nothing to say.
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All these were warned by at least 6 millions of voter eligible,,.. but you guys never tolerated it but enabled barbarians to return.
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Eagle Eye / April 14, 2020
Ms. Maralathoni,
Sounds like a ‘Maralathoni’ (Screaming in pain) of a ‘Koti Dena’ (Tigress) still licking the wounds inflicted by Rajapakshes.
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Ms Maralathoni / April 15, 2020
Eagle Eye,
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You not only attack minorities but also my name – I am from Italy, that is why I am called Maralathoni…. not everyone should necessarily be Kotiya or Sinhaya, when they voluntariliy stand against injustices being made by boot lickers of Rajapakshes bps.
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Just think about what you get being that servile ? NOthing right ? They will collect the loot once again and drive away you guys as had been before. It is just the greed and power only that the bastards focus right at the moment.
:
Let shope the both be sunk sooner than later later leaving the peace lovers be remained in peace – in that beautiful island (landscape wise only)
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Ashan / April 14, 2020
You sound ignorant about Sri Lanka, but you make up for it with arrogance.
“Principles of Democracy: Rule of law, freedom of the press, respect of human rights, active political processes & enlightened citizens. Each of these ‘basic’ to democracy, meaning that democracy can’t exist without all of them.”
ALL Sri Lankan citizens have a right to voice their opinions, protest if necessary, and are entitled to ask to be treated humanely. You have a problem with it, YOU can leave these shores (maybe India will welcome you).
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Analyst. / April 14, 2020
Can COVID-19 define a Politician’s fate??
I think certainly it would. We see Trump administration as fragile as never been before , all to do with Covid.
South Asian economy is in 40% deficit now, what more do we need to our poor country called Srilanka?
Are we all pretending to be living in a prosperous nation? Are we all pretending to be decendents of the past Kings and Queens of Lankawe? Living in their mansions and suffering with “Delusions of Grandeaur “”
Get real and get to see the reality folks.
What you see in moderated propaganda media mouth pieces are unreal.
Life is not bread ,butter and honey for all except the few .
Srilanka needs thousands of begging bowls already before the Covid , Post Covid will need millions of bowls to fill with bread, butter and honey.
God save us all , “It’s similar to ” Ring -A-Ring- O- Roses , Atishoo Atishoo all falls down”
Get the country economically vibrant not when every greedy person wants a piece of others wealth!!!!!
Even stealing poor man’s Bread.
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Dilshan / April 14, 2020
What a BS from UN. Had they dragged these war criminals to Haque long ago, we would not have face these problems.
They are using the Sinhala Buddhist slogan to hide their robbery of the country. 6.9 million naive people believed them, and voted him to power, and now they are killing us by poverty and hunger to continue to rob
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Wake Up Lanka / April 14, 2020
6.9 million naive people!
Really?
Naive?
Is supporting racist buddhist fundamentalist policies naïveté?
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babalath appu / April 14, 2020
Dilshan,
.
How can we expect barbarian DUO to respect burial rights, when looking at the manner, their men, with direct mediation of MR s wife, the way they brutally murdered that Rugby player and planted the boy not on the steering wheel side, but on the other, and was telling the world, that was not a murder but the young man was killed by that brutal accident. Bp Sirisena did not allow investigations to be held free and fair, leaving that mum and the victimized family s hopes for justice, in tantalus torments. Even today, colombo is mourning on this JAMAL Khashogi style murder, that came to surface during the Good governance govt. All was investigated but mad SIRISENA never allowed real face of Rajapakshe be revealed. Today, SIRISENSA is cornered as a dog in a cage from both sides.
The very same brutal men were elected by the naivity and stupidity of 69 lacks of people. On one side, I dont feel like pitty, towards those farmers that have to face all the unexpected today by PS leaders of Rajakshe thievary.
People should learn to know how UNPREDICTABLE the brother DUO would be.
Not yet all is revealed, in the days to come, real face of BRUTAL Rajakshes will be unmasked.
Let the blessings of all gods be with goodies of this country, marginalizing BP Rajapakshes and their criminals
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Muslims, Tamils, all other non-sinhalayas should respect anyone with hearted feelings, never Rajaapksas.
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Sensitive SLANKEN / April 14, 2020
Dilshan@
–
IN THE DAYS TO COME; they the barbarians would appoint brutal men of millitary as the regional leaders for sure. Now with a big blackout in local media, also SIRASA is draged by them, all media channels would once again start dancing to the tone of Rajapkashes. I dont think that what people expected by bringning idiots would be the case. We are widening from our hopes, that Gota woudl ever do any single good to be praised with WOW effect.
Now the millitary achievements as was the case in the past too, they make every effort to turn out to be state achievements.
.
We did not see, that UNIVERSITY dons are being interviewed by them, as the souruce of expertise – but GMOA which is one another criminal body that is public secret, their strikes let people dead on and on. They went on strikes for their selfish gains. Former minister achieved a lot but he is made speechless today.
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Ansar / April 14, 2020
FYI, Our excellency is a suspected murderer and just a few days ago released a convicted murderer of the highest order despite the sentence being by re iterated by 5 bench judge.
So expect nothing less by a suspected murder and his brother PM an Ace Rogue who swindled the fund of the poor innocent tsunami victims. To add fuel to the fire, we have a majority racist community who has the audacity to elect this murderer and the Ace rogue to the highest position of our paradise of fools.
Very pathetic to say, the least.
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FAMOUS44993 / April 14, 2020
Very well said. Bravo.
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Mohamed Ayub / April 14, 2020
Thank you very much your Helping to the srilankan Muslim
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S. C. Pasqual / April 14, 2020
Mr. Mohamed Ayub,
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“Each government must assess their situation, while protecting all their citizens, and especially the most vulnerable,” – WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom.
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It is our government who will decide what to do. Not some religious bullshitter.
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First ask your god to protect you from the virus. If he can you don’t have to worry about burial rights.
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If he can’t protect you… medical science, our doctors and systems put in place by our government (Including military and police) will protect you.
Honour them…
Obey them…
Argument finish.
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watcher / April 14, 2020
“freedom of religion” is second to living…Rapporteur is on wild goose chase.. BTW, we had Rapporteurs working for arms dealers preaching human rights before..
Where do they find these brain dead Rapporteurs?
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Tin Tin / April 14, 2020
The UN is unnecessarily getting involved here due to the campaign mobilization of the Islamic community in Srilanka. NGOs, Amnesty International and now the UN Special rapporteurs. We are living under an unprecedented health nightmare. Religious traditions and tribal beliefs will have to take a back seat until the country comes out of the pandemic.
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lankan / April 14, 2020
they will never learn a lesson from history until Karma turn on them.
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Khan / April 14, 2020
Thank you so much to WHO attended for this matter.
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Leelagemalli / April 14, 2020
Unfortunately, Karma is off to those the kind of high criminals. If Karma works as we expect, these both should have long been under earth.. or in a prison.
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It is who the poor people, not having proper knowledge enabled bps to return and suck their blood again. Now good riddance.
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FAMOUS44993 / April 14, 2020
And, that will happen very soon. Wait and see.
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JD / April 14, 2020
Muslims and their handler want to spread CORONA in Sri Lanka. OHCHR says, Respect Muslim right (muslims are Human) to spread CORNA
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SJ / April 14, 2020
The venom that you and your likes spread is worse than any viral or bacterial infection.
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Upali / April 15, 2020
SJ
True. Covid 19 will go but we have created Covid 20 which will remain with us for 30ages.Added to Covid 17 which we struggled for 30 years with out a solution we will have our hands full.
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Tamanna / April 14, 2020
Frogs in the well? Covid is much more greater in west and they respect burial rights of Muslims and Jews. You Sri Lankan’s are using covid as an excuse stating it’s a public health emergency to hurt other community. Deal the public health emergencies but don’t focus particularly on burial and get delusional on this. Move forward.. accept your narrow minded mentality. Learn from other nations. The country belongs to everyone.. not only for Sinhalese.
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Sensitive SLANKEN / April 14, 2020
JD,
please be accurate, all those violated the CURFEW laws are predominantly buddhists and they are our sinhalayas.
:
Just few hand picked cases being reported among the muslims, you guys to paint it large is beyond all ethics and morals.
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I have no doubt, MUSLIMS as we know they obey the rules, while our FREE running sinhala BPS dont.
OVER 20000 were arrested for violations .. get your facts right JD…
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Ashan / April 14, 2020
You don’t sound very intelligent. Only mutts will think any human being will deliberately spread a terrible disease like this. You must be desperate for attention, to write such embarrassingly low grade comments, which the majority disagree with.
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Ranjith Leuke / April 14, 2020
UN Special Rapporteurs are NGO agents appointed to undermine independent governments in developing countries. They are not paid, permanent UN staff, but get paid their travel expenses for the dirty work they do.
@
Their aim is to do six years of bullying of poor countries, in order to qualify for a permanant, pensioned job that will set them up for life. They are NGO thieves.
@
His Excellency the President should not pay any attention to these thieves, or their requests. They should not be allowed to come on ‘inspection visits’.
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There is a matter of serious concern here. They say, …”information we have received concerning the circular…” etc. Now who are the traitors who wrote to these thieves against a government circular?
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These traitors need to be tracked down and punished. Burial is definitely too good a punishment for these selfish, ‘kon-less’ bastards.
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Tamanna / April 14, 2020
Traitors? Refer to the definition of traitors. Clearly oblivious about human rights. You sound like a dictator! Must be hanged in public for fuelling hate and crime among communities.
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2020
Ranjith Leuke
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“UN Special Rapporteurs are NGO agents appointed to undermine independent governments in developing countries. “
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Why don’t you tell Corona virus to p**s off if you think you have independent government. To begin with your president is an American.
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“They are not paid, permanent UN staff, but get paid their travel expenses for the dirty work they do.”
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They pop in to clean your accumulated s**t, otherwise you will drown in your own poo.
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If you chose to drown in your own home made s**t by yourself why don’t you tell your president to pull your sovereign country out of WHO membership?
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“These traitors need to be tracked down and punished. Burial is definitely too good a punishment for these selfish, ‘kon-less’ bastards.”
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This the time you should shut your mouth or cover your face otherwise you will have to find a way to keep incoming s**t out of your mouth and face.
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EW Golding / April 14, 2020
What is the procedure in other (Muslim and non-Muslim) countries?
Over 100,000 have died; there may have been thousands of Muslims among them.
Was burial permitted in other countries? If so, why not in SL? If not, why allow in SL?
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FAMOUS44993 / April 14, 2020
We don’t need to go hunting to find out who did allow and who didn’t. Our neighbouring big brother allows burial..
.
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F M RIYAJ / April 14, 2020
Sri lanka government must respect the rights of Muslims in burial permission followed by WHO guide lies. The rights religious rights of Muslims must be respected.
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Real Revolutionist / April 14, 2020
F.M.Riyaj
Respect can’t be gained through religion or law.
It should be gained by living hand in hand with fellow citizens.
SL Muslims should volunteer to shed differences & be ready to be governed by a single law.
1 country 1 law.
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FAMOUS44993 / April 14, 2020
That sounds bovine crap.
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S. C. Pasqual / April 14, 2020
Mr. F… M… RIYAJ,
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First you all must start respecting your own woman’s rights. Marriage and divorce and things like that.
First learn to respect living before worrying about dead.
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babalawathie mudunkotuwa / April 14, 2020
Good attitude you bastard Pasqual,
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You would still be okay your dead body be used for DRIED FLESH making ?
:
Please contact BROTHER duo and their men … what a BS Pasqual, be real and be hearted, never play with the dead – and the respect of the peity.
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Disgraceful BPs of your nature, would ruin this nation, than viral infection.
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SAD / April 14, 2020
When I read comments, I see all of you pointing at others..
Honestly Sri Lanka is the best of any Lands in the World.
But Sri Lankans are the worst of people in the World.
How can you expect it to be a PARADISE ha ha..lol
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Leelagemalli / April 14, 2020
SAD,
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Unfortunatly the saddest truth. Truth is bitter pill.
.
I agree with you, the island is so beautiful by its landscape but people ? Thought their wrapping is BUDSHISM, but back throughts are to harm the other for their selfish gains. Harm whereever, whatever, whenever they think is right. You are even more immune if you could be wrapped around by a PINGUTHARA costume (Sivura).
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Native Vedda / April 15, 2020
S. C. Pasqual
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“First you all must start respecting your own woman’s rights. Marriage and divorce and things like that.”
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What are you suggesting?
Do you want them to burn women alive before marriage and after divorce?
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“First learn to respect living before worrying about dead.”
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Good idea.
When will you and your fellow Gota’s b***s carriers begin to follow what you have just typed above?
Advice is free.
So don’t waste it.
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Buramphisincho / April 15, 2020
Pasqual,
.
it is also the failure of the govt. Why not any successive govt brought appropriate amendments so that the peoples could follow them accordingly ?
:
That is an international issue from many muslim nations today. There are turkish muslims that live in Germany are caught by younger marriages. So are the pakistani families. This is common among muslim migrant communities in Europe. However, allt hese people come from developing countries. So there is no difference to srilanken muslims. Always to put the blame on such communities would not bring anywhere right ?
I think politicians as law makers should have long been introducing proper laws so that all communities could live their lives to the manner malaysians and other moderate muslims nations would do.
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Reggie Silva / April 14, 2020
The Muslim community must respect the rights of Hindus and Buddhists. They must stop using Arabic dress and close down the hundreds of unnecessary Muslim schools that are indoctrinating the youth. They must stop building mosques all over this country and end paying traitorous ministers to turn blind eyes to their activities?
Okay?
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Real Revolutionist / April 15, 2020
F.M. Riyaj
People are respected but how can the foolishness be respected
Next thing is dead people don’t have human rights because they’re no more human beings.
This UN rapporteur is also such a fool that can’t understand this simple thing.
Sri Lanka should declare that the UN is unrecognized body for employing fools for key positions.
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Now that the world has taken it over, Let us let go this morbid subject and concentrate what we have to face as a people ( Foreigners even born in Sri Lanka and even if native Vedas if they hold foreign passports are not permitted to comment or interfere, if they including dual citizenship, mind your own business ) at the end of the pandemic.
Let us start , for sure hundreds , thousands of even millions are going to loose their jobs in Sri Lanka ,like in the rest of the world and all foreign countries will have no choice but to employ first their Citizens and PRs.
Most may loose their jobs and be sent back , except the generous Muslim.Countries ( hopefully) .
We have debts to repay and we have borrowed again and no choice we need to borrow more .
There are lot of citizens with huge debt burdens on them , house and land mortgages, Vehicle leases , jewlaries pawned, accumulated utility bills , shop rentals, loss of perished food stocks.
Our Agriculture is not self sufficient, farmers have huge loans to pay back , there are people who need regular medicines , I know people who spend 50, 000 to a lak or more for medicines monthly .
Our tea industry is not doing well , so is coconut and rubber.
We have no more grants , Ranil.amd Malik and their blue eyed boys pocketed it all .
Our diary industry is under developed ; only poultry which needs to pay more foreign exchange to buy poultry feed , so even chicken will become very expensive , Fisherman will.also struggle as we need fuel and need to borrow funds to pay for it ,pork.msy be the only solution, But will.anyone even consider after whole of asia killed virus infected pigs in millions ?
Beef and mutton are out as it will become the most preferred meat and expensive only those among many developed countries will.be able to afford itm
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Luckiest guy among our columnists is Native Veda all he now needs is a amude and bow and arrows and go back to his folks in the jungle and he will have the best meat free .
Hope I can join , I don’t mind the Amude , but no bow and arrows
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Hell power cut , what time had the Nakath ?
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SJ / April 14, 2020
Don Qixote spoke more sense than this imposter even when he was in a state of delirium.
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Native Vedda / April 14, 2020
Man of Lamancha
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“Hell power cut , what time had the Nakath ?”
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You seem to be in stress living in the urban jungle, where people are faceless, heartless, joyless, mostly with bent morales, form part of the elbowing me first society, ……….
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Here is the best news for new year which took more than three years to arrive at my humble hut in the jungle:
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Scientists Can Now Transform Stress into Electricity
Swiss researchers created a new material that produces electricity when twisted and stretched.
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Read the rest:
https://interestingengineering.com/scientists-can-now-transform-stress-into-electricity
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You do not have to be jealousy prone, instead transform your stress into electricity and sell it to your neighbours, colleagues at work (if you are employed), make profit, keep yourself happy, in that process you suffer lot more stress and transform your extra stress into more electricity and more profit, ….. repeat it until you kick the bucket,………… go to heaven, hell or attain nibbana.
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Wish you happy holy-days and happy holidays.
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GATAM / April 14, 2020
Ahmed Shaheed Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief may be biased.
Navi Pillay who preached Lanka on human rights was biased too.
SL disregarded both. Very good.
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Noname / April 14, 2020
Instead of going on and on about burial rights and racism of the Sinhalese, it would be better for these Muslim pundits and politicians to worry about aggressive spreading of COVID in Aluthgama, Beruwala areas. Lot of people will end up dead otherwise. Clearly these buggers are more concerned about the corpses of these men/women than saving their lives in the first place. Couple of villages have been isolated today and this isn’t the first time. I suppose this is all fake news and COVID spread in Beruwala is a cooked up story by government.
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
There is just one good hope still for Sri Lanka among the storm.
That is if any Politician or politicians can bring in either a financial grant not less than 10.billion dollars with zero strings attached, no commitments or an intreast free loan to be repaid in 5 years.
But must be 100% transparent .
Ball is in the court off all politicians , not just the government, present situation the opposition has equal responsibity to save the nation
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hancho pancha / April 14, 2020
Muslims have always been a thorn in the flesh of the world. Their Prophet was infatuated with the female body. He permitted polygamy. It is important to remember: “when in Rome do what the Romans do”. His edicts do not go with the times.
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Roberta Flack / April 14, 2020
Can somebody please enlighten me why Sinhala Politicians pursue the division of this country on racial lines ? I can say this with the utmost responsibility that racism is not the wish of a majority of Sinhalese. They are a peaceful and harmonious community. It is selected media , media moguls with deep vested interestS who pursue an agenda of hatred in this country. They are hellbent on marginalising the minority ethnic communities to create a platform for themselves to launch their ambitions of sheer domination. The platform itself is not built on sound social and democratic fundamentals and therefore has the character of destructive politics which we are seeing today. The LTTE was a byproduct of such shallow ideology by SWRD Bandaranayake who thought the Sinhala Only policy will shape the future of this country. See what a mess we are in.70 years after. Are we as a country going to sit and watch this happen again.
It should not be the responsibility of the UN to highlight this but every citizen of this country. For all those people who want to be the next Singapore, understand that Singapore was built on broad and fair thinking where all its citizens were treated equal opportunities to thrive and survive.
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Talal / April 14, 2020
I am Muslim, and I am urging all Muslims in SL to be cooperative to the MTF- Medical Task Force, for everybodies sake. If they approve the burials, it is much preferred. But if they do not, we must still support them. Please realize that they(MTF) are doing their best to serve the country. The least everyone in the country could do is to comply to their recommendations for these few weeks. It is a sensitive issue, but note that not every decision is based on racism.
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Talal / April 14, 2020
*NOT BASED ON RACISM -there is something wrong when I typed on your website.
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Dr Rajanayagam Rajendran / April 14, 2020
A good test for an impartial ruler in Srilanka is whether he/she will go against the wishes of the majority Buddidist Community, if that Community (hypothetically prefers the method of Burial at present time).. I have doubts whether any Srilankan Ruler will pass that test.
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Reggie Silva / April 15, 2020
Rajendran, all rulers in Sri Lanka have gone against the wishes of the Buddhist majority. CBK offered half the country to the Tamils, JR refused to end church planting in every Buddhist and Hindu village, MR & Ranil turned a blind eye/made money from the islamization of the East, every Government since 1948 has had Muslim, Christian and Tamil ministers.
.
I think they have all passed your test.
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Real Revolutionist / April 14, 2020
The UN is outdated.
Present pandemic should be considered another world war & an alternative to the UN must be formed, making no provisions for non-scientific religions to take undue recognition.
The present UN considerations on human rights are discriminative to advanced social segments so the UN should not stick into superstitious segments/beliefs.
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Hussain Fahmy / April 14, 2020
Human beings rarely learn from their past lessons/experiences. Politicians would rather sacrifice social and economic progress to win elections using the tool of racism, prejudice and injustice. Any law of the land should ideally confine within the dignity of religious beliefs and scientific facts to win the hearts and minds of its citizens. Hate and other evil trails are more harmful, poisonous, destructive and lasting than any virus. Today, the whole world is face covered seeking for protection.
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Nizam HM / April 14, 2020
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’s Constitution protects the Fundamental Human Rights. If there are no alternative other-than Cremation who died on COVID19 is reasonable and acceptable
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Real Revolutionist / April 14, 2020
The Secretary to the UN
This UN special rapporteur is a fool.
Instead of asking the president to let Muslim’s bury corona dead bodies, he should have asked the Muslim people to abide by the country’s law.
That’s why the UN is fast becoming out dated.
Actually it’s already outdated.
You’re a head of an outdated body, resign now paving the way for the world to change.
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ABDULLAH / April 14, 2020
RACISM FANATICISM SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF THIS PANDEMIC
THE LEAST POSSIBLE THING WE COULD DO IS STAY TOGETHER IN PRAYER N OVERCOME THE COVID 19
N SORT OUT OUR RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES N BY SHOWING OUR POWER THERE ARE SO MANY SINHALESE WORKING IN THE MIDDLE EAST WE AS MUSLIMS CAN SEND A MESSAGE TO SEND THEM ALL BACK BEFORE WE LEAVE SRI LANKA
REMEMBER THIS IS OUR SRI LANKA
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GATAM / April 14, 2020
Now that is a good exchange Abdullah. I support it. Inshallah it will happen.
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Real Revolutionist / April 14, 2020
Abdulla
You seems to be a man with good heart.
If corona can be cured by praying why should we have doctors, medicines, hospitals etc. etc.?
Before talking about Sri Lankans or Sinhalese working in the Middle East you should know that you’re living here because of the kindness of Sinhala people.
Abdulla, we want you to be man with a good brain with or without good heart.
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Right now my one single worry is after the battle of Covid 19 and right now Sri Lanka matters .
Iran has always been a close friend of The Prime Minister , they are our largest tea buyer , I trust with all the sanctions imposed upon them and all doors shut , with no help they have survived , Iranians will help us in someway.
I requset The Prime Minister to not give into wrong advice and use that friendship.
It’s time the whole world demands all Sanctions against Iran lifted unconditionally.
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Navin / April 14, 2020
Iran has been unfairly treated, and punished, by the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, for doing the right thing. They stuck to their side of Iranian nuclear deal, yet Trump in his usual vindictive style punishes them, and millions are now suffering, without food, and medicines. People are dying with urgent help to fight COVID19. It is inhumane to treat them this way.
I agree that it is time the world stood up to the US, and helped these poor people out. If Iran stopped buying our tea, it would be a huge loss for us.
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Israel and Iran must sit and talk and make friendship .
It’s important for both
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Enough of bloodshed so must all Arabs .They are blood brothers and Nothing can change that .
They worship tye same God in total monothiesm , almost all reactions of Sunni and shias are same eccept Ismailis .
Do not let others keep.you diveded
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Man of Lamancha / April 14, 2020
Sorry all tradtions of Mainstream Sunni and Shia are the same one to one
Quite a segment of The Jewsish community even accept Prophet Muhammad as a true prophet and the only difference is they say he is the promised prophet to The Children of Ismael and as per that segment of the Jews they are waiting for the messiah same as Sunni and Shia Muslims the messenger of The covenent is The same one .
Muslims reconciling with Israel.will be the greatest benefit for both and for Muslims world wide.
Muslims must join the Jewish muslim peace brotherhood
Do not let prejudice deny reconcilation.
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rbh / April 14, 2020
WHO guidelines on the disposal
COVERING THE FACE
WASHING FREQUENTLY
BURIAL ONE DAY
These surprized people, as these was the practice in some parts of the world and introdused to all by the globally attribuet/quality standard , Next on line what food is permission to eat and not to eat.
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Adrian van Twest / April 14, 2020
This burial nonsense has gone long enough.
+
Are the Osamas saying that every body cremated is going to hell?
Next they will ask all males to tip the penis!
+
We need urgently trace the bastards who wrote to the UN Rapporteurs and punish them.
+
No more tak about burial.
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Ashan / April 14, 2020
You want to “punish” them eh? Please explain what authority YOU have to punish anyone living in this “democratic” nation? Despite the tough talk it seems you are ignorant about the meaning of what Democracy is .
“Principles of Democracy: Rule of law, freedom of the press, respect of human rights, active political processes & enlightened citizens. Each of these ‘basic’ to democracy, meaning that democracy can’t exist without all of them.”
Your tough talk does not impress anyone, it is simply empty talk.
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